Hey all. I wanted to ask the restaurant workers out there a question. I'm about to start working for a restaurant that is part of a large national chain. The other day one of my friends, who bartends at a local, non-chain, restaurant told me that she was talking to the owner about me and that he was interested in getting a magician. Now the two restaurants are about 45 minutes away from each other and I doubt they would get the same customers but I was wondering if it would create a conflict. What do you guys think?

I know A LOT of restaurant workers in Los Angeles (I work two restaurants myself), and I can honestly say that there is absolutely NO conflict here.

In the past, my restaurants have been as little as 5 miles apart, and there's never been an issue. If a restaurant owner wants exclusivity, then I'd insist on a 2 or 3 day per week minimum. (Thurs., Fri. & Sat.) But I've never met one who wanted exclusivity.

By the way, getting the same customers from different restaurants is a GOOD thing. You want people to ask where you are performing, and who ask the management about you when they make reservations.

45 minutes is a long way. Don't even give it a second thought. I once worked at one night club and after I had done so I would walk RIGHT NEXT DOOR to another one! And I did so for a whole week. I thought there would be repercussions but nary a word. And both clubs knew I was working next door.

It was over 40 years ago and to my astonishment both clubs are still there right next door to each other although one has changed the name. They are both in Swallow Street, London, a tiny street just off Regent Street if I remember correctly.